Chamundeshwari Temple Karnataka Full Details

Chamundeshwari Temple Chamundeshwari temple is situated on the summit of the Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the city of palaces in Mysore located in Karnataka located in India. The temple’s name is derived from Chamundeshwari or Durga the fierce form of Shakti the sacred deity revered for many centuries by the Mysore Maharajas.

There is a Chamundeshwari Temple is considered as an Shakti Peetha, and is one of the 18 MahaShakti Peethas. It is also known by the name of Krouncha Pitham as the region was named as in Puranic time by the name of Krouncha Puri. The origins for Shakti Peethas is linked with the mythology of Daksha the yaga and Sati’s self-immolation.

Shakti Peethas are the sacred place of Shakti due to the demise of body parts from the body of Sati Devi, as Lord Shiva took it, and was stricken with grief. The temples have fifty-one Shakti Peeth linking to the 51 alphabets of Sanskrit. Every temple has shrines dedicated to Shakti as well as Kalabhairava. This is the Hair that is Sati Devi is believed to be here, and the Shakti is known by the name of Chamundeshwari Devi.

 

Chamundeshwari Temple History

 

The ‘Skanda Purana’ as well as other texts from the past mention the holy place of ‘ Trimuta Kshetra which is which is surrounded with eight mountains. The western part of the hill are the Chamundi Hills, one among the eight hills. In the past the Hill was referred to as ‘Mahabaladri in honor of God Shiva who is the god of the Mahabalipura Temple. It is the oldest of the temples on the hills.

In later times the hill began to be referred to as the “Chamundi Hills” to honor of the goddess Chamundi which is the principal theme of the “Devi Mahathme”. The goddess is believed to be the embodiment from Parvati as the wife to Lord Shiva. Many devotees from across the nation and even from overseas attend the temple throughout the year. The belief is that goddess will fulfill their dreams and desires.

 

Chamundeshwari Temple Architecture

The temple is an equatorial structure. It was constructed with a Dravidian fashion, it is comprised of the main Doorway and Entrance Navaranga Hall, Antharala Mantapa, Sanctum Sanctorum, and Prakara. The seven-tier structure is stunning. Gopura or pyramidal tower located at the entrance , and the Vimana (small tower) on top of the sanctum sanctorum. The ‘Shikara’ is the highest point of the tower that is located at the entrance there are seven golden ‘Kalashas’.

Krishnaraja Wodeyar III repaired the shrine in 1827 A.D and built the stunning tower that is located at the entrance (Gopura). In the name of the Goddess, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, an passionate devotee of the goddess mother gave the temple the Simha-vahana (A car shaped like a lion) as well as other animal-themed vehicles and precious stones. The vehicles are even used during certain religious holidays.

Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore

The entrance tower features a small representation of Lord Ganesha on the doorway. This doorway has silver plating, and includes representation of Goddesses in various shapes. On both sides of the doorway, there are pictures of ‘Dwarapalakas’ or door-keepers. When one is into the inside on the right side, there is a small sculpture of Lord Ganesha who is the one who removes any obstacle. After a couple of steps, the flagstaff is there and the feet of Goddess, and an incredibly small statue of Nandi in front of the holy sanctum. On the left side of the flagstaff there is a picture of ‘Anjaneya’ hung on the wall. To either side of this entryway are two Dikpalakas: Nandini along with Kamalini.

The ‘Antharala’, prior to entering the holy sanctum of sanctorum are depictions of the Lord Ganesha in the center on the left and of Bhyrava on the right. To to the left of Ganesha there is a gorgeous six-foot Maharaja statue Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. He is sitting with his hands in folded sacred clothes. Between his body there are three of his wives: Ramavilasa, Lakshmivilasa and Krishnavilasa. Their names are engraved on the pedestals. In the sanctum sanctorum stands the sculpture of stone depicting the goddess named ‘Mahisha Mardhini. With the ‘Ashta Bhujas’, (or eight shoulders), she appears in a sitting position. According to mythology of the area, the statue was created by the Sage Markandeya. It is the reason it is believed to be very ancient.

The goddess’s idol is set up daily and it is worshiped by numerous priests. They Mysore Maharajas have offered a variety of precious gifts to their family god. Flowers, coconuts and fruits are given to the hungry.

At the top of the Sanctum sanctorum, a tiny tower or ‘Vimana’ can be visible. The ‘Prakara’ enclosure, which is behind the sanctum sanctorum are tiny images of deities that are also dedicated to.

 

Chamundeshwari Temple Daily Poojas And Festivals

The temple’s Darshana and Pooja times are 7.30 a.m until 2.30 p.m in the afternoon and 3.30 up to 6.30 p.m as well as 7.30 p.m until 9.30 p.m.. At this time, a large portion of Maa Durga ceremony is conducted. Archana, Aarti and Abhisekham are the most popular daily pujas to be performed.

Abhisheka Timings : 6 a.m. until 7.30 a.m as well as 6:30 p.m until 7.30 p.m • Friday 5 a.m until 6.30 a.m.

Dasoha (free meals) is scheduled to serve devotees every day from 12.30 p.m until 2.30 p.m.

 

How To Reach The Temple Chamundeshwari

By road: Chamundi Hills rises to 3 489 feet MSL and can be seen from a distance while driving towards Mysore. There is a decent motorable road that goes to the top. Apart from the Mysore side, there’s an option to drive on its rear side, which is the Nanjangud side. Bus services are readily accessible to go to the hills. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) provides daily bus services to facilitate pilgrims and other visitors.

Train:- The closest railway Station for the temple is Mysore which is located 6 kilometers away from the temple.

By Air: By Air: The Temple is accessible by air via the Mysore Airport(7 km) that is well connected to regular domestic flights that connect to Delhi, Mumbai.

Additional Information

Apart from beyond the Chamundeswari temple, visitors can also visit Mahabaladri and Narayana swamy Temples, Mahishasura as well as Nandi statues. There are other interesting locations within the Chamundi Hills. There is there is the Lalith Palace is one. It is a part of the Mysore royal family. Maharajas had their brief stay at the Palace every time they visited the hills. It is situated on the top of a hill, it provides a stunning birds-eye perspective of Mysore city as well as distant locations. Lalithadri Palace was constructed during the period of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.